Long is rotating out of the chairman’s role after the playoff’s first two years.

Executive Director Bill Hancock announced Hocutt’s appointment on Thursday. Hocutt served on the committee this past season, and Hancock cited his background as a former college athlete and his experience as an administrator.

As chairman, Hocutt will set the selection committee’s agenda, run its meetings and serve as the spokesman for the committee along with Hancock. Hocutt begins his second year on the CFP Committee in 2016.

“College Football continues to have a significant impact in my life and I am humbled and honored by this appointment,” Hocutt said. “Serving on the committee this past season was a tremendous experience. The thoughtful consideration, professionalism and integrity exhibited by the members of this committee speak to the level of success the College Football has shown in its brief history.”

Hocutt was an All-Big Eight linebacker at Kansas State and has been athletic director at Ohio University and Miami.

Hancock called Hocutt a “natural leader.” He also praised Long for the job he did running the committee as the playoff launched. Alabama beat Clemson Monday night in the final to claim the national championship.